Relief fund launched to support Ruthin flood victims

A FUND has been launched to help the hundreds of families whose homes were devastated by the flooding in Ruthin.

A FUND has been launched to help the hundreds of families whose homes were devastated by the flooding in Ruthin.

The Ruthin Flood Relief Fund has been set up by the Mayor Emrys Wynne and the town council to support the affected residents on the Glasdir estate.

Their homes were engulfed by water from the River Clwyd after its banks burst on Tuesday morning.

Mr Wynne said: “The fund is now up and running. There has been a lot of help offered and that’s wonderful to see.

“The priority is to make sure everybody who has been affected by the floods – and that’s most on the Glasdir estate – are actually able to find a warm place for their families and they can have secure accommodation for the long-term. We hope by the end of the week everyone will know where they are going.”

Ruthin councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts added: “It’s important to stress it’s the official and only fund set up to support the victims. We’ve had a massive response. People are offering to donate money, housing, bedding, toys, you name it. Ruthin town is one huge family.”

A music night originally organised to raise funds for the Hillsborough Justice Campaign will now be held in aid of the town’s flood victims – a gesture from the charity itself (see panel).

Meanwhile, Denbighshire Council has arranged free childcare and activities for youngsters whose families have been affected by flooding. The sessions take place tomorrow between 10am and 2pm at Ruthin Leisure Centre.

Jamie Groves, the council’s head of communication, marketing and leisure, said: “We want to help people affected by flooding as practically as possible. We realise people with children will have plenty of jobs to do and things to sort out over the coming days.

“We want to be in a position to give them a few hours break.

“We are also conscious of the well-being of children.”

For details call Ruthin Leisure Centre on 01824 703880.

The Ruthin Flood Relief Fund has been set up at the town’s Barclays Bank branch. Sort code 20 25 76 and the account number is 20788929. All cheques should be made to Ruthin Town Council.

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